Technology and Design

“Innovate for the future.”

Introduction

Technology and Design offers students an insight into product design whilst giving them the opportunity to design and create products using the latest manufacturing technologies. Students are taught how the design process is used to develop everyday products to suits the needs and wants of a Target Market.

In the classroom, students carry out research and analyse products in order to understand how good design solves problems. Students are challenged to sketch their own concepts on paper whilst being taught a range of graphical techniques to improve the communication and presentation of each idea. Students also have the opportunity to use the latest CAD software to create digital models of various concepts. Students also study how mechanical, electronic, computer and pneumatic systems are used to enhance the functionality of products as well as topics ranging from material properties to health and safety.

In the workshop, a typical student will have the opportunity to manufacture up to six generic projects at Key Stage 3 in preparation for GCSE and A’ Level where they will produce a smaller number of individual and more complex prototypes. Students will work with a range of materials, tools and processes to manufacture and assemble each product. Project work in all year groups are carefully selected to maximise a student’s experience with both manual operated machinery and automated CADCAM technologies.

Key Stage 3

Students manufacture two projects in Years 8, 9 and 10. To encourage creativity, some projects allow students to have a large degree of design flexibility. Other projects have a set design to encouarge students to focus on specific skills, knowledge and understanding. The projects are as follows:

Year 8

Key-fob
LED Picture Stand

Year 9

Clock(CADCAM)
Steady Hand Game

Year 10

Tea-light Holder
Pen Holder

Key Stage 4

The GCSE Technology and Design qualification involves two main assessments areas. Students must produce a product and portfolio weighted at 50% and complete two exam modules also weighted at 25% each.

In Year 11, students study five topics in preparation for an exam module. Students also design and manufacture a Night Light project to help reinforce theory and maintain essential CADCAM skills.

1. Mechanism
2. Pneumatics
3. Electronics
4. Computer Control
5. Manufacturing

In Year 12, students study a further five topics in preparation for a second exam module and also manufacture an individual prototype of their choosing accompanied by a design portfolio.

1. Design and Innovation
2. Manufacturing Practices
3. Materials, components and fabrication
4. Market Influences
5. Social responsibility of product design

Key Stage 5

Environmental Technology is a new, contemporary, and inspiring A’ Level qualification offering students the opportunity to gain a much sought after qualification in a rapidly growing green economy. Through this science-based qualification, students will gain an understanding of the main causes of climate change and pollution, as well as the critical low-carbon technologies and strategies required to live and work in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. This specification is available at two levels: AS and A2.

AS

In the AS units, students explore in detail the use of wind, solar and biomass technologies to generate power. They also produce a technical report based on a scenario by investigating the installation and use of renewable energy sources.

A2

Students who continue to A2 investigate the theory and practice behind enhancing the environmental performance of buildings. They also produce a technical report based on the nine elements of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification.
A Level Environmental Technology offers significant opportunities for employment in areas such as zero-carbon engineering, project management, and scientific research. Global companies are investing heavily in renewable technologies and those with knowledge of these areas are likely to be sought after in the job market. Environmental Technology is recognised as a science A-level by the NUI universities, including the University of Ulster and Queens University.

Visits / Trips / Extra-curricular offerings

A wide range of STEM trips and events are offered to all year groups throughout the school.